[Jerry H.]

I've been sick most of this week, but I got up this morning feeling the best I've felt in the last 6 months UNTIL I got on my computer and read this horrible news. Then I cried like a baby for 45 minutes.

My first contact with Mike was probably 10 years or so ago when I had a question about a 65 Catalina that I owned at the time. He was very knowledgeable and took the time to walk me through the problem. Then of course we became friends over the board here. In 2009 some of the first folks I met at the CoVention in Dayton were Mike and Tray. Tray and I immediately hit it off because I was in my handicapped scooter with braces on my legs, similar to him. We also became facebook friends and I still enjoy the occasional chat with him. Mike and I joined up again a few years ago in Norwalk and we shared a sip of the special 'mountain' dew that I brought up. Mike was a special Dad. He always made room for Tray when others would have left him at home. I only wish my son looks up to me as much as Mike's do to him.

I've thrown in my $100 and another for someone who can't. If there is anyone who can beat this, it's Mike! Some of you are aware of the message I posted to Mike on his facebook page, and I mean it. If I can work things out and find someone to travel up with me I'm going to try to make the trip up within a week or so. And thank you Don for what you have done.